Published 9:00 am, Sunday, March 17, 2013

Dow Kokam will have more time to meet its job creation targets related to state tax credits at the Midland Battery Park.

The company operates an advanced lithium-ion battery cell production facility in Midland and is adding battery pack capabilities to its line up. The company has seen slower demand than expected and hiring has not met projections. The company said in December that it would lay off 40 to 60 workers in the U.S., citing weak market conditions.

According to The Detroit News, the Michigan Strategic Fund board recently “amended Dow Kokam’s $100 million battery cell manufacturing credit, requiring the company create at least 300 jobs in Michigan by the end of 2018 instead of 2015.” The company will have four more years to meet requirements for its $42 million credit related to battery packs, extending that deadline to the end of 2020, the newspaper said. Dow Kokam also received an amendment to its Renaissance Zone credit and now must create a minimum of 320 full-time jobs by Dec. 31, 2018, The Detroit News said.

Dow becomes ‘Official Carbon Partner’ for Sochi Olympic Winter Games

The Dow Chemical Co. will be the Official Carbon Partner of the XXII Olympic Winter Games, to be staged from February 7-23, 2014, in Sochi, Russia.

Dow also is a Worldwide Partner and the Official Chemistry Company of the Olympic Games.

The direct carbon footprint associated with the delivery of the Games will be mitigated through the implementation of energy-efficient technologies, with improved greenhouse gas emissions performance in the key areas of infrastructure, industry and agriculture, the company said this week. It said all projects will be implemented in the Russian Federation, generating savings and long-lasting benefits to the host country’s economy.

“With its vast experience, world-class leadership in the industry and a wide range of innovative solutions, Dow is the trustworthy partner to help us on our journey to deliver more sustainable and innovative Games,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko, president of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games Organizing Committee.